Newbie Kayak Fishing Attire Questions

[Biggrizzly]

- OK, here goes my short list of questions for newbs like me:

1) Do you guys wear swimming trunks, shorts, or fancy kayaking shorts while fishing?
2) Same for shirts - T-shirts, Hi-Tech Fabrics, or specialized water type shirts, tank tops? Anything that is recomended?
3) Shoes - sandals? Tevas? Flip flops?

Am I over thinking this?

[jsnyd86]

I wouldn't say you're over thinking it. Protection from the elements is important to stay comfortable but stay safe. For cold weather, especially with your Tuna, get weighters and a good breathable/waterproof shell. Dry will equal warm. In the warm weather you'll want to be safe from the sun and have breathable and quick drying material. I have some Columbia and North Face stuff, always a good company to go with if you can manage eating PB&J for the rest of the week. I have vibrams I used to run in and those work as a great water shoe. In the winter I have hunting boots or booted weighters.

All times of the year, PFD. Not only is it safe, it helps from searching for little things you can have on your chest (scissors, scents, small plano box). Getting something made for paddling will help with comfort. A good pair of polorized sunglasses, protecting your eyes and seeing fish.

Thats about all I can think of. You can YouTube kayakbassfishing and kayakbassintv for some great kayak tips. They are both relativly local guys involved in kayak fishing on the national scale.

[archeryrob]

Speedo's like the swimmers and divers wear, plus no shirt.

See you on the water, just tell me when and were so I can get my camera ready.

[J.A. Veil]

During the warm weather, I used to always wear a bathing suit or shorts. After too many bad sunburns on the tops of my legs, I now wear long fishing pants in a thin quick-dry fabric unless I am going out in the late afternoon/early evening when the sun is at a lower angle.

Regarding tops, I like fishing shirts that have double chest pockets to hold reading glasses, phone, camera, etc. I particularly like ones that have zippers on some pockets to keep items from falling out at an inopportune time.

There are lots of footwear options. I use an old pair of running shoes that can be hosed off after each use but still offer protection against the sun and against sharp objects when I am wading out to enter/exit the kayak.

Finally, get a comfortable hat that shades your eyes and face. Some guys like to wear hats with brims all around or that have neck flaps.

[CB kayak 02]

Pants and long sleeves for longer trips in the sun for the most part. Usually columbia type stuff with hat, shades, and buff...

[ronaultmtd]

Ditto to the previuos posters about cold weather- I have the FIA Skeletoes shoes- love them and I wear the quick drying nylon Columbia fishing shirts and zip off pants- came in handy last week when I went swimming unexpectedly when prepping my kayak for a launch on a slipper mud bank- I was nice and dry in 30-40 minutes after the dunking...I wear a wide brimmed Cabelas River Drover hat and good polarized sunglasses- drink lots of water

[ictalurus]

I have some ExOfficio pants that are quick-drying UPF nylon and have a bathing suit brief that is built in, which is perfect. Unfortunately, they don't make them any more. It sure beats sitting in wet underwear in the persistent puddle in my Revo's seat. I like the nylon fishing shirts, too, and I prefer the ones with pit zips over the ventilated back cape. The cape doesn't work so well with a PFD on. Much like the mesh briefed pants, shirts with pit zips are hard to come by, too. I go with Teva's for my feet but mesh sneakers aren't bad, either. I picked up a cheap pair from Pay Less for working on the boat in the summer when steel toes aren't required.

[MetroMan]

I have & love these

http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp...96935.12850531

[Memory Maker]

You're over thinking it .......... most just wear suntan lotion ..........

No really ........ wear what you are comfortable with and will be seen by other boaters .............

Summer I like water wicking products ......... long sleeve that can be rolled up .......... long pants that with legs tht can be zipped off ....... the sun is not your friend ...... neither are the bugs